As posters become more and more popular as an art form, collecting them has come back into style.

        Dr. James Marrs began his impressive art collection by buying posters from the late 19th century. He was drawn to posters because they were bright, happy and while on a limited budget in college, they were affordable. Dr. Marrs suggests that anyone just starting to collect art should start with posters.

        “There's a wide range of them, they're more affordable since they are not widely collected yet, and there are good buys still available for young collectors,” he says.

        Jack Wood, owner of the Jack Wood Gallery, is an avid poster collector and dealer. His best advice is to buy what you like.

        “It has to be something that you will want to look at every day and make you smile, give you pleasure. Great posters do that,” Mr. Wood says.

        He started out by collecting bicycle posters, and expanded from there. Mr. Wood also suggests that after a new collector makes a purchase, he or she should learn more about the poster and the artist. He recommends reading Posters of the Belle Epoque by Jack Rennert. (It's out of print, so check the Public Library.)

        Mr. Wood advises that to keep a poster in top condition, keep it out of direct exposure to sunlight and display it indoors in a place that has little fluctuation in temperature and humidity.

        Both Mr. Wood and Dr. Marrs say collecting posters is a good investment.

        “That should not be why you get into it, but the truth is that they do appreciate,” Mr. Wood says. “Buy as many as you can now because they are getting harder to find.”

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